Marines debut new puppy to serve as mascot

The Marine Corps has debuted its next mascot. The
bulldog puppy will step in when the current
mascot retires. He too will be named after the
most decorated Marine of all time, Lt. Gen. Lewis
"Chesty" Puller.

Chesty, future Marine Corps mascot, sits on the red carpet in front of the Home of the Commandants waiting to meet Bonnie Amos, wife of Gen. James F. Amos, commandant os the Marine Corps during a visit to Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Feb. 14. (Courtesy Marine Barracks Washington)

WASHINGTON – The Marine Corps has debuted its next mascot. The bulldog puppy will step in when the current mascot retires. He too will be named after the most decorated Marine of all time, Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller.

A 9-week-old pedigree English bulldog “Chesty” will soon be the new Marine Corps mascot after he completes obedience training, of course, according to the Marine Corps website. He makes his debut in a ceremony on March 29.

Chesty’s responsibilities will include marching in the Friday evening parade and supporting the Corps in its service roles around the region.

The original Puller has long been an icon for Marine recruits and in Corps culture, according to the website. He is the only Marine to be awarded five Navy Crosses.

The Corps’ future mascot comes from five generations of championship bulldogs bred in Stephens City, Va., according to the Marine Barracks Washington website.